Borrow a Book Club

Description: Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. But Jack doesn't have to play by the rules.

Description: Is it possible to tell the story of a generation and a city through the history of a restaurant?
Ella Brady thinks so. She wants to film a documentary about Quentins that will capture the spirit of Dublin from the 1970s to the present day. And Quentins has a thousand stories to tell: tales of love, of betrayal, of revenge; of times when it looked ready for success and times when it seemed as if it must close in failure. But as Ella uncovers more of what has gone on at Quentins, she begins to wonder whether some secrets should be kept that way...

Description: With the perfect marriage and a great job, Lauren Stillman loves her wonderful life . . . until she sees her husband with another woman. Devastated and lusting for revenge, Lauren has her own affair. It's supposed to be a quickie, but Lauren's night of passion takes a shocking turn when she witnesses an unbelievable and deadly crime.

Description: While the French Army in Indo-China is grappling with the Vietminh, back in Saigon a young and high-minded American named Pyle begins to channel economic aid to a "Third Force." Caught between French colonialists and the Vietminh, Fowler, the narrator and seasoned foreign correspondent, observes: "I never knew a man who had better motives for all the trouble he caused." As young Pyle's policies blunder on into bloodshed, the older man finds it impossible to stand aside as an observer. But Fowler's motives for intervening are suspect, both to the police and to himself: for Pyle has robbed him of his Vietnamese mistress.

Description: This is the story of Azar Nafisi's dream and of the nightmare that made it come true. For two years before she left Iran in 1997, Nafisi gathered seven young women at her house every Thursday morning to read and discuss forbidden works of Western literature. They were all former students whom she had taught at university. They were unaccustomed to being asked to speak their minds, but soon they began to open up and to speak more freely, not only about the novels they were reading but also about themselves, their dreams and disappointments. Nafisi's account flashes back to the early days of the revolution, when she first started teaching at the University of Tehran amid the swirl or protests and demonstrations. Azar Nafisi's tale offers a fascinating portrait of the Iran-Iraq war viewed from Tehran and gives us a rare glimpse, from the inside, of women's lives in revolutionary Iran.

Description: Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that tell of her father, Jacob, and his twelve sons. Told in Dinah's voice, Anita Diamant imagines the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood--the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of the mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through childhood, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past.

Description: Grief-stricken by a recent tragedy, Jennifer returns to the resort village where she grew up to help her beloved grandmother. There, Jennifer will discover new meaning in life and experience not one, but two of the most amazing love stories ever.

Description: Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

Borrow a Book Club

Borrow-A-Book Club is a service provided by the Burlington County Library System enabling customers to easily organize a book discussion group for 2 or more people. Participants will be able to borrow a labeled canvas bag containing multiple copies of one of our selections, along with helpful aids for organizing and running a successful book discussion group. It is a great way for groups to enjoy companionship, education, socialization and cultural enrichment.

Who can participate?

All BCLS cardholders, in good standing are eligible to participate. In addition to groups of friends and neighbors, we encourage representatives of associations, home schooling groups, faith-based organizations and youth groups to borrow a bag.

How does Borrow-A-Book Club work?

Depending on your group, you might want to contact your participants to select first and second title choices. After checking out your book club title, distribute the books to your group allowing them at lease 4 weeks to read the book. Your book discussion should occur during the sixth or seventh week.

How long can I keep a Borrow-A-Book club bag?

A Borrow-A-Book Club bag circulates for 8 weeks and can not be renewed. You have one week to pick up your book bag before it is placed back in general circulation. All Borrow-A-Book Club bags will be kept at the County Library in Westampton. If you would like to have your book bag delivered to a branch or member library location, it is necessary to request the bag. Book bags can also be delivered to you at a Bookmobile stop.

What if the title the group has chosen is not available?

It may be necessary to reserve a specific book club title. While waiting for your first or second choice, please take advantage of another book club title.

What materials will be provided in the Borrow-A-Book club bag?

Everything you need to run a successful book club will be provided in a Borrow-A-Book Club bag. Your bag comes fully equipped with multiple copies of a single title and information about the story, the author and how to organize and run a successful book discussion group. Also included are book discussion group questions and a facilitator’s check out and check in sheet to help keep track of which participant has a particular book. Please be sure to fill out the survey form and return it with the book bag. Additional materials for in-depth study are included for two titles. A study guide for each participant and one DVD are included in the bags for Antigone and To Kill A Mockingbird to encourage in-depth study. Also, a DVD and discussion questions regarding the film are included with The Quiet American and Cold Mountain.

What if I don't return the bag on time?

When a Borrow-A-Book Club bag is overdue, a $1.00 per day overdue fine will be applied with a maximum fine of $15.00.

Where can I get a Borrow-A-Book Club bag?

Borrow-a-Book Club book bags can be borrowed or returned at any BCLS location.